Most businesses using lasers do not have employees who are highly knowledgeable about the safe use of lasers and require outside help from time to time. In many situations, such as dental practices and other private clinics using lasers, the regulatory authority requires that a Certificated Laser Protection Advisor is appointed.

The function of the Laser Protection Advisor is fourfold:

1. To act as an external source of expert advice on laser safety matters
2. To ensure that the client’s lasers are used, and continue to be used, in a safe manner
3. To help the client achieve compliance with applicable laser safety regulation
4. To help the client satisfy the applicable regulatory authorities that lasers are being operated safely

The exact method of operation and the type of expertise required of the Laser Protection Advisor (LPA) varies depending on whether the client is a Laser Clinic, a Medical Establishment, a University or other Business.

LPA for Dental, Cosmetic, IPL & Other Laser Clinics

Due to a change in the regulations, different rules apply depending on the location of your business. This section covers requirements for UK laser clinics.

For Wales, click here.

For Northern Ireland, click here.

If you are considering using lasers or have already bought lasers for use in your Clinic, it may seem as if there is a whole raft of regulation aimed at stopping you from putting these lasers to use. Our aim is to take you through the process of Care Quality Commission approval and to ensure that both your staff and customers are not exposed to any hazards from your lasers. This will enable you to get on with the process of running your Clinic.

As you may know, the Care Quality Commission require all laser clinics to have a certificated Laser Protection Adviser. All our LPAs are certificated by the Association of Laser Safety Professionals and appointment of a Lasermet LPA will satisfy this HC requirement. In addition Lasermet LPAs have all been practicing in the laser safety field for many years and can offer the highest quality and most up to date advice on the safe use of lasers in laser clinics.

All clinics using lasers must be registered with the Care Quality Commission. This is a time consuming process for those who are not used to it. If you wish, your LPA can carry undertake this process of registration for you, thus allowing you to concentrate on other aspects of your business.

For information on registration with the Care Quality Commission for Private Clinics, click here.

For information on registration with the Care Quality Commission for Dentists, click here.

SITE VISIT AND ASSESSMENT

On appointment your LPA will call you to discuss your situation and requirements. In many cases an initial site visit will be advisable to enable the LPA to become familiar with your lasers and premises and to enable them to offer the best advice. During this visit your LPA will carry out a laser safety audit, viewing your premises and laser equipment and will discuss safety requirements with you. A report will be issued detailing what is required in terms of signage, interlocks, protective screens and eyewear etc. In most cases further work by the LPA will be carried out from their office. They will also be contactable to answer any queries which come up from time to time. It is also advisable to have an annual site visit to check, review and update the local rules.

LASER SAFETY MANAGEMENT FILE

Whether or not an initial site visit is required your LPA will compile a Laser Safety Management File for your clinic, which will include your local rules and other relevant information. This will be sent to you to be kept on the premises.

LPA for Hospitals

In hospitals in the UK, operating theatres and other departments using lasers are required to have Laser Protection Supervisors (LPS) and Laser Protection Advisers (LPA).

The LPS should be someone within the local staff who is responsible for the application of the local rules on a day to day basis, but who does not necessarily have an in depth knowledge of the subject. Therefore the LPS must have an LPA (a person knowledgeable in laser safety) to whom they can refer for technical advice. The Laser Protection Advisor will normally be from outside the department where the lasers are used. The LPA will write the local rules, specify eyewear and other safety equipment, be available for specialist advice and occasionally visit the department to review the laser safety.

Lasermet Medical Laser Protection Advisers are certificated by the Association of Laser Safety Professionals and offer expert advice based on years of experience. We will work in conjunction with your LPS to ensure that staff and patients are protected and that the Care Quality Commission is satisfied with your safety practice.

Competent Person for Industry and Research Establishments

If you are using lasers in your organisation you are required to have a Competent Person perform regular independent audits. The Competent Person will assist in laser safety matters including which safety eyewear to use, what laser safety equipment is required and how to work safely with lasers.

The Competent Person is usually a certificated Laser Protection Adviser (LPA). The LPA will advise on appropriate eyewear, engineering controls, administrative controls and training, and will be available to answer questions on laser safety, as and when required. An annual site visit will also take place to check on the application of laser safety on the site and to advise on any changes which may be required.

All Lasermet Laser Protection Advisers are certificated by the Association of Laser Safety Professionals and are able to offer expert advice based on many years of experience. We will work with you to ensure that:

1. Your company / organisation employs the best possible laser safety practice
2. The Health & Safety Executive are satisfied that you are using lasers safely
3. The application of laser safety is smooth and hassle free for staff in your business

Laser Safety Training

Unless your laser operatives and associated staff have already received laser safety training then this will be required. Practitioners and theatre staff using lasers are required to have received basic training in the safety of lasers.

Laser Safety Equipment

We also offer a complete range of Laser Safety equipment for any establishment. This includes a wide range of laser safety glasses for both operator and patient, laser blocking curtains, roller blinds, screens for windows and room dividers, laser fume extraction, Interlock^® systems for operating theatres and signage.